Several Pakistani students were injured in violent clashes at student hostels in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The violence erupted between student groups, with attackers reportedly using batons to forcefully enter hostel rooms and harm several international students, including those from Pakistan.
The clashes allegedly started from an incident of harassment involving Egyptian female students on May 13. This incident escalated into broader violence among the student population.
In response to the escalating situation, Pakistan’s embassy in Kyrgyzstan issued a safety advisory, urging Pakistani students in Bishkek to remain indoors. The advisory emphasized the importance of staying safe until the situation calms down.
“Due to mob violence around student hostels in Bishkek, the embassy strongly advises all Pakistani students in Bishkek to stay indoors until the situation returns to normal,” wrote Hasan Zaigham, Pakistan’s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, on X (formerly Twitter) early on Saturday. He added that the embassy is in contact with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, a spokeswoman for the Pakistani foreign office, reported that the embassy had received hundreds of inquiries from concerned students and their families. The embassy is actively working to address these concerns and provide assistance where needed.
This troubling incident has highlighted the vulnerabilities of international students and the importance of maintaining safety and security in student accommodations.
The Pakistani embassy’s quick response and continuous liaison with local authorities aim to protect the well-being of its citizens abroad. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all students involved.
